Review of Cold Hearted (Cursed Fae, #1) by Leia Stone and Julie Hall
When I first stumbled upon Cold Hearted by Leia Stone and Julie Hall, I was immediately drawn in by its promise of a cozy-adjacent adventure enriched with mystery, magic, and a touch of enemies-to-lovers romance. As someone who enjoys a good fairy tale twist (with a bit of heat to spice things up!), I couldn’t resist diving into this enchanting world.
Set in a realm where duty aligns with desire, Cold Hearted follows Princess Dawn, who has been groomed for a singular purpose: traverse through a magical portal to eliminate an Ethereum Lord and secure the safety of her kingdom. However, her quest takes an unexpected turn when she finds herself captured by a dashing royal guard, Zander. A classic setup, right? Yet, it’s these familiar tropes that Stone and Hall skillfully play with, creating a narrative that, while not wholly original, remains undeniably enjoyable.
The dual POV allows readers to engage with both Dawn and Zander’s inner worlds, adding depth to their motivations and secrets. I flew through the pages—at just 288 pages, Cold Hearted is a quick read that doesn’t waste time; the action kicks off almost immediately, and the pacing keeps you hooked throughout. The dialogue sparkles with a mix of humor and tenderness, making the characters feel relatable and real.
One of the aspects I found noteworthy was the book’s exploration of themes like duty, sacrifice, and self-worth, particularly in how they connect to femininity. While the plot sometimes treads into the territory of placing too much value on a woman’s virginity—something that can be sensitive and triggering—I appreciated the authors’ intent to weave in these broader themes. It did make me pause and reflect on the implications, especially as someone who often contemplates the representation of women in literature. Though the virginity trope is mentioned, it doesn’t overshadow the larger story, so readers who appreciate that element may continue to find joy in the narrative.
Among the lighter moments, Zander and Dawn’s banter captured my heart, straddling that fine line between playful tension and budding romance. I could sense how the chemistry between them was poised to unfold into something deeper, and I’m excited to see how their journey continues in the sequel, Faint Hearted.
In conclusion, Cold Hearted offers a solid reading experience for anyone yearning for an escape filled with spells, kingdoms, and a touch of love. It’s perfect as a palate cleanser for those in search of something sweet and easy to follow. While it may not challenge the genre’s limits, it certainly charms without overcomplicating things—a reflection of what many readers (myself included) may seek in a whimsical romantic fantasy. If you enjoy royal adventures, light-hearted banter, and the thrill of the chase (especially on one horse), you’ll find a cozy home in this series. I look forward to seeing where this magical journey takes us next!
A heartfelt thanks to the authors and The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC of this book. This review is entirely my own. Happy reading!
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